It was obvious enough to new Michigan offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier that he had to stand on the sideline during games.

But until he did, no one at Michigan realized how much it would help.

For three years, previous coordinator Al Borges sat on the press box level, communicating by headphones to the sideline and his quarterbacks during games.

Nussmeier was a difference-maker on the sideline in Michigan’s 52-14 Saturday win over Appalachian State.

“It was really different, it was really nice for me to make adjustments right there and not have to wait until halftime to see him,” said quarterback Devin Gardner, the chief recipient of the QB guru’s teaching. “I really enjoy having him down there and it was beneficial to the entire offense.”

The offense scored seven touchdowns in the first nine drives and racked up 560 yards. The offense had 350 yards rushing and Gardner was an effortless 13 of 14 with three touchdowns.

Gardner was criticized for throwing interceptions the first half of last season and taking sacks the second half of the season.

On Saturday, the fifth-year senior was far more calm and confident than at any point in 2013.

“Coach Nuss made sure I was really prepared for anything I was going to see and tried to follow my rules and take what they gave me,” Gardner said.

That meant not “trying to do too much and trying to make things happen that aren’t there.”

Almost from the start of 2013 it was clear the Wolverines would go as far as Gardner’s right arm — wrapped in ice after Saturday’s win — would take them.

This year’s focus was to show their mentality started on the ground.

Not only for balance, but to set a team-related tone, that this offense is tough and physical, not relying solely on the air attack, no matter how talented Devin Funchess might be.

That all swings back to the intense Nussmeier, who coach Brady Hoke joked Saturday: “I’m trying to keep him off the field. I think he wants to go out and play.”

Said Gardner: “He got real hyped when I do good things. He got the most excited when I did a run check. I was like, ‘What, did I do it wrong?’ He was just so hyped.”

There was outside surprise when Gardner revealed he had never read presnap linebacker tells before Nussmeier arrived in January, but Saturday showed how much he has learned. Gardner said he checked into a few plays, even that one time changing the run call and springing one of the tailbacks’ long bursts, the play Nussmeier told him was the best of the day (impressive considering the three touchdowns he threw.)

That is the evolution with this pair, showing the offensive potential as Gardner slows down and Nussmeier nudges him in the right direction.

Gardner still fights his instincts at times — there was a ball he should have thrown away while extending a play and a few late runs that left him vulnerable to big hits — but the leaps were dramatic in the first week.

“We wanted him to, No. 1, manage the game, take care of the football,” Hoke said of Gardner’s turnover-free game. “I think he made some really good decisions. I think he changed a play or two at the line of scrimmage, more than one or two, and I thought he played locked in to what was going on.

“I think with Doug (Nussmeier) being on the sideline I think helps in this situation, because of being able to talk to him between series, make some adjustments.”